The Letters of Helen Dennis (1)

This is the first of a number of letters written by Helen I. Dennis. This transcript is taken from a carbon copy in a 1996 discovered archive in England. Helen Dennis was the Corresponding Section of the Esoteric Section of the Theosophical Society in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.

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Chicago, March 8th, 1906.

Dear Mrs. Besant:-

The enclosed speaks for itself and gives proof, if any further proof were needed, of what Mr. Leadbeater is teaching the youths entrusted to his care.

Yours truly,

(Signed) Helen I. Dennis.

The following is an exact copy of a note sent to the third boy by Mr. Leadbeater. He is one of the boys who travelled with Mr. Leadbeater for months. It was accidentally discovered by the housekeeper of the house in which the family lived while in --------, among some rubbish which they had left behind them. The housekeeper is an F.T.S., and a practical Scotch woman who never throws anything into the fire without first looking at it and thus she found it. ----- has been the home of the family for sometime and it is the home to which the third boy went when his travels with Mr. Leadbeater were ended. They now live in --------------.

The mother had told this housekeeper that Mr. L. had given the third boy some exercise for the private, that would kill out all desire for women and marriage. The mother did not know just what it was, only that he did it in the morning while at his bath. It seems that the third boy told the family doctor what he was doing, and he must have written to Mr. L. about it and received the following reply.

PRIVATE. "You made a mistake in mentioning that matter to the doctor; these things should be kept entirely to ourselves, and it may lead to much undesirable talk. I told you long ago that there were different opinions as to the best way to manage these things, and your doctor evidently holds a strongly opposite view. Still, there may be this much reason in what he says, that while you are not quite well we should spend no force that can be avoided. You will remember that when we met in ---------- I suggested longer intervals until you were completely recovered. Suppose you leave him entirely alone until the end of the year, and then report to me whether be has been troublesome in any way. Let us see how long he can conveniently go, for we certainly do not want any drain on the system, as you say. But keep your thoughts entirely away from all subjects that might excite him, and if he is persistent, put him into cold water."

I certainly expected a cable from her after the receipt of this letter, announcing the reversal of her decision, such as came later in June, but instead I received following, merely repeating her decision of Feb. 26th.

Helen I Dennis

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April 18,1906.

"I have your other note, and as I understand very well the object and nature of what was said to the boys, I can only repeat that I dissent from the method, but believe, am sure, the object was to save from profligacy or excess of any kind."

(Signed) Annie Besant.